On Tuesday, Arab leaders reached a landmark agreement by approving an ambitious $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza. The initiative, spearheaded by Egypt, aims to rebuild the enclave without displacing the Palestinian residents, marking a significant step towards sustainable development in the region.
The decision was made during the closing session of an emergency Arab summit held in Cairo, where leaders from participating Arab nations unified their support for the project. A key outcome of the summit was the formation of a non-factional technocratic committee, which will oversee the administration of Gaza under the Palestinian Authority for at least six months.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced that Egypt will begin promoting the reconstruction plan on the international stage. The comprehensive plan includes the establishment of a new seaport and airport in the Gaza Strip, as well as the recycling of debris resulting from recent destruction in the area.
In their final statement, Arab leaders issued a stern warning against any attempts to displace the Palestinian people or annex parts of the occupied territories. Such actions, they cautioned, could escalate regional conflicts, undermine stability, and draw other countries into the fray.
Commitment to the reconstruction effort was clear, with Arab leaders pledging financial, material, and political support. They also called upon the international community and financial institutions to provide the necessary backing to ensure the plan's success.
Additionally, the summit emphasized the urgent need to implement the second and third phases of the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. Leaders stressed the importance of all parties, particularly Israel, adhering to their obligations to achieve a lasting cessation of \"aggression\" against Gaza.
The reconstruction plan stands in contrast to a previous proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which suggested redeveloping Gaza and relocating its residents to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan. Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Oren Marmorstein, has openly rejected Egypt’s plan, reaffirming support for Trump's approach.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his endorsement of the Egypt-drafted plan, highlighting the necessity for Gaza to remain a part of the State of Palestine. Describing the situation in Gaza as \"horrific,\" Guterres called for the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into the enclave.
Hamas hailed the summit’s outcomes, stating they demonstrate substantial political support for the Palestinian cause amidst escalating \"Israeli aggression.\" In a press statement, the group emphasized that the unified Arab stance sends a clear message against any repetition of the Palestinian \"Nakba,\" the mass displacement of Palestinians in 1948. Hamas also lauded the adoption of the Gaza reconstruction plan, urging that all necessary resources be allocated to ensure its successful implementation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
